Young mothers facing discrimination

Published: June 13, 2016

Expectant mothers aged under 25 are six times more likely to be dismissed after telling their employer they are pregnant than older mothers-to-be

The research also found 13 per cent of mothers under 25 feel they are so poorly treated that they had no alternative but leave their current job. “Young working mothers are feeling the brunt of pregnancy and maternity discrimination, with more than any other age group being forced out of their jobs, facing harassment and experiencing issues with their health as a result,” said Caroline Waters, deputy chair of the EHRC.

The research involved 3,254 mothers with a child under two and discovered many younger mums felt under pressure to hand in their notice when expecting, with 15 per cent saying they were encouraged not to attend antenatal appointments during work hours.

It is hoped the #PowertotheBump campaign developed by The Young Women’s Trust, Fawcett Society, Maternity Action, The Royal College of Midwives and the TUC, will encourage more young mothers to share their experiences and advice via social media.

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